US8500152B2 - Collapsible stroller - Google Patents

Abstract

A stroller includes at least one front leg rotationally coupled to a hub; at least one front wheel rotationally coupled to the at least one front leg; at least one rear leg rotationally coupled to the hub; and at least one rear wheel rotationally coupled to the at least one rear leg. The at least one front leg and the at least one rear leg are mechanically coupled such that the at least one front leg and the at least one rear leg rotate synchronously to a first position relative to the hub to configure the stroller in a collapsed position and to a second position relative to the hub to configure the stroller in an open position.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/094,574, filed Sep. 5, 2008, on which priority of this patent application is based and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/032,370, filed Feb. 15, 2008, which claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/890,597 filed Feb. 19, 2007; 60/890,601 filed Feb. 19, 2007; 60/890,605 filed Feb. 19, 2007; 60/890,607 filed Feb. 19, 2007; 60/890,608 filed Feb. 19, 2007; 60/890,613 filed Feb. 19, 2007; 60/890,616 filed Feb. 19, 2007; 60/890,618 filed Feb. 19, 2007; 60/890,619 filed Feb. 19, 2007; and 60/890,624, filed Feb. 20, 2007, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to strollers, and more particularly, pertains to baby strollers having one or more components which can be moved by a drive mechanism.

2. Description of Related Art

Baby strollers, also referred to as baby carriages, baby buggies, or prams, have been used to hold and transport babies and young children for many years. Early baby strollers had parts which were fixedly secured to one another such that they did not fold for compactness. More recently, baby strollers have been designed to have some parts which are movable relative to one another to allow movement of some parts of the stroller to achieve a more compact configuration when not in use. However, current strollers do not allow for movement or folding to compact configuration as desired, and are cumbersome and sometimes difficult to move between their collapsed (closed) positions and their operative (open) positions, particularly when attending to a baby or child. A stroller which is easier to move between its collapsed and operative positions, such as one that does so upon the push of a button via motorized movement, is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides various advantageous strollers which allow one or more of their components to be moved quickly and easily between two or more positions. Accordingly, in one embodiment, a stroller includes at least one front leg rotationally coupled to a hub; at least one front wheel rotationally coupled to the at least one front leg; at least one rear leg rotationally coupled to the hub; and at least one rear wheel rotationally coupled to the at least one rear leg. The at least one front leg and the at least one rear leg are mechanically coupled such that the at least one front leg and the at least one rear leg rotate synchronously to a first position relative to the hub to configure the stroller in a collapsed position and to a second position relative to the hub to configure the stroller in an open position.

The hub may include a trapezoidally-shaped housing. The at least one rear leg may be rotationally coupled to a first angled side wall of the housing and the at least one front leg is rotationally coupled to a second angled side wall of the housing. A drive mechanism configured to drive the stroller from the collapsed position to the open position and vice versa may be disposed within the housing. The drive mechanism may be powered by a battery, an electrical generator, a spring, compressed air, or any combination thereof.

The stroller may further include: a support structure having a first end coupled to the hub and a second end; and a seating portion having a top portion coupled to the second end of the support structure and a bottom portion coupled to the first end of the support structure.

The support structure may have a generally arcuate shape. The support structure may be configured as a telescoping tube. The support structure may be configured to telescope between a first configuration when the stroller is in the collapsed position and a second configuration when the stroller is in an open position. The first configuration of the support structure may have a length that is shorter than the second configuration of the support structure.

The seating portion may have a generally elliptical shape. The generally elliptical shape of the seating portion may be formed by: a generally U-shaped lower seat frame assembly having a first end and a second end; and a generally U-shaped upper seat frame assembly having a first end and a second end. The first end of the upper seat frame assembly may be slidingly mated with the first end of the lower seat frame assembly and the second end of the upper seat frame assembly may be slidingly mated with the second end of the lower seat frame assembly. The lower seat frame assembly may slide within the upper seat frame assembly when the stroller is in the collapsed position and the lower seat frame assembly may extend from the upper seat frame assembly when the stroller is in the open position. The seating portion may be removably coupled to the support structure.

The stroller may include a handle coupled to the second end of the support structure. The handle may be telescoping such that the height of the handle can be adjusted. The handle may also include a display for providing feedback to a user. The hub may include at least one luggage wheel rotationally coupled to a bottom surface thereof to allow for transportation of the stroller when the stroller is in the collapsed position. The hub may also include light sources for illuminating an area in front of the stroller.

Also disclosed is a stroller that includes a seating portion; a hub coupled to the seating portion; and at least one wheel coupled to the hub. A first portion of the seating portion is configured to telescopingly extend from a second portion of the seating portion, such that the first portion is extended from the second portion when the seating portion is in a first, open position, and the first portion is configured to slide within the second portion when the seating portion is in a second, closed position.

The seating portion may be supported on the hub by at least one supporting member. A single handle may extend from the at least one supporting member. The seating portion may have a generally elliptical shape. The generally elliptical shape of the seating portion may be formed by: a generally U-shaped lower seat frame assembly having a first end and a second end; and a generally U-shaped upper seat frame assembly having a first end and a second end. The first end of the upper seat frame assembly may be slidingly mated with the first end of the lower seat frame assembly and the second end of the upper seat frame assembly may be slidingly mated with the second end of the lower seat frame assembly. The lower seat frame assembly may slide within the upper seat frame assembly when the stroller is in the collapsed position and the lower seat frame assembly may extend from the upper seat frame assembly when the stroller is in the open position.

Further disclosed is a stroller that includes a hub; an arcuate support structure having a first end coupled to the hub and a second end; a single handle extending from the second end of the arcuate support structure; and at least one wheel rotationally coupled to the hub. The arcuate support structure supports a seating portion for holding a child. The arcuate support structure may be configured as a telescoping tube. The arcuate support structure may telescope between a first configuration when the stroller is in a collapsed position and a second configuration when the stroller is in an open position. The first configuration of the support structure may have a length that is shorter than the second configuration of the support structure. The single handle may telescopingly extend from the second end of the arcuate support structure.

Also disclosed is a powered stroller that includes a seating system and a mobile system coupled to the seating system. A drive mechanism, when operated by a control switch, causes the seating system and the mobile system to collapse in the length, width, and height directions and expand in the length, width, and height directions.

These and other features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible stroller shown in its open position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the stroller ofFIG. 1 shown in its open position;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the stroller ofFIG. 1 shown in its open position;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the stroller ofFIG. 1 with a covering of a hub removed therefrom;

FIG. 5 is a left side view of the stroller ofFIG. 1 shown in its open position;

FIG. 6 is a right side view of the stroller ofFIG. 1 shown in its open position;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the stroller ofFIG. 1 shown in its partially open position;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the stroller ofFIG. 1 shown in its partially open position;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the stroller ofFIG. 1 shown in its fully closed position;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the stroller ofFIG. 1 shown in its fully closed position;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a suspension module of the stroller ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a portion ofFIG. 1 illustrating a seat frame mounting member enlarged for magnification purposes;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a seating portion of the stroller ofFIG. 1 with a seat provided thereon;

FIG. 14 is a front schematic view illustrating a drive mechanism of the stroller ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of a housing of the stroller ofFIG. 1 illustrating a coupling mechanism;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the housing ofFIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a top schematic view illustrating a motor and gear train of the drive mechanism ofFIG. 14;

FIGS. 18A and 18B are side schematic views of a support structure of the stroller ofFIG. 1 in an open position and a collapsed position, respectively;

FIG. 19 is a side schematic view of a lower arcuate support component of the support structure of the stroller ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the lower arcuate support component of the support structure of the stroller ofFIG. 1 illustrating a latching mechanism;

FIG. 21 is a side perspective view of the latching mechanism ofFIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged side perspective view illustrating the latching mechanism ofFIG. 20 engaged between the lower arcuate support component and the upper arcuate support component of the support structure;

FIGS. 23A-23C are side schematic views of a braking mechanism of the stroller ofFIG. 1 in the released, partially engaged, and engaged positions, respectively;

FIGS. 24 and 25 are side schematic and exploded perspective views of a generator system of the stroller ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating a control system for the generator system ofFIGS. 24 and 25;

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of a power management system for use with the stroller ofFIG. 1; and

FIG. 28 is a top plan view of a handlebar assembly of the stroller ofFIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

With reference toFIGS. 1-10, a stroller, denoted generally asreference numeral1, includes ahub3; asupport structure5 having afirst end7 coupled tohub3 and asecond end9; aseating portion11 having abottom portion13 coupled to a top portion ofhub3 and atop portion15 coupled tosecond end9 ofsupport structure5.Hub3 includes a housing33 (seeFIG. 4) that is covered by acovering4.Stroller1 is configured to collapse in the length, width, and height directions for storage and transportation as shown inFIGS. 9-10 and expand in the length, width, and height directions for use as shown inFIGS. 1-6. An intermediate position between the collapsed position and the expanded position is shown inFIGS. 7-8.

Stroller1 further includes a firstfront leg17 rotationally coupled tohub3 and a secondfront leg19 rotationally coupled tohub3. Afirst front wheel21 is rotationally coupled to and supported by firstfront leg17 and a secondfront wheel23 is rotationally coupled to and supported by secondfront leg19. Aproximal end25,27 of eachfront leg17,19 includes apost29,31 that is rotatably engaged withinhousing33 ofhub3.Posts29,31 are mechanically coupled as will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter, thereby enabling rotational movement of eachfront leg17,19 abouthousing33 between an open position (seeFIGS. 1-6) and a collapsed position (seeFIGS. 9-10).

With reference toFIG. 11 and with continued reference toFIGS. 1-10, pivotally connected to adistal end35,37 of eachfront leg17,19 is a pair of generally U-shapedwheel receiving members39,41 for receiving respectivefront wheels21,23. Eachwheel receiving member39,41 comprises anaxle43 to allow thefront wheels21,23 to roll about theirrespective axles43.Wheel receiving members39,41 are pivotally connected via apost45 or any other suitable fastening mechanism to the distal ends35,37 offront legs17,19 to allow thefront wheels21,23 to pivot about respective axes substantially perpendicular to theiraxles43 to accommodate changes in the rolling direction of the front ofstroller1.

Asuspension module47 may be disposed between eachwheel receiving member39,41 anddistal end35,37 of eachfront leg17,19. While any of a number of suspension mechanisms well-known to those skilled in the art may be used, such as compression springs or the like, thepreferred suspension module47 also ensures thewheel receiving members39,41 avoid being trapped or stuck whenstroller1 is automatically folded as described in greater detail hereinafter. To accomplish this,suspension module47 is rotatably attached to an upper,front portion49 ofwheel receiving member39,41 by a pin51. Atorsion spring53 is provided tobias suspension module47 againstwheel receiving member39,41 during normal operation. Pin51 is placed in upper,front portion49 ofwheel receiving member39,41 so that normal use of the stroller will not causesuspension module47 to pull away fromwheel receiving member39,41. However, during automatic or manual folding ofstroller1, it is possible thatfront wheels21,23 could be oriented in an undesirable position whereby one or both of thefront wheels21,23 are wedged against another part ofstroller1, blockingfront legs17,19 from folding properly. To alleviate this possibility,suspension module47 accommodates rotation about pin51 of up to approximately 80 degrees in order to provide sufficient clearance forfront legs17,19 to fold properly.

With continued reference toFIGS. 1-10,stroller1 further includes a firstrear leg55 and a secondrear leg57. Firstrear leg55 and secondrear leg57 are rotationally coupled tohub3. In addition, firstrear leg55 and secondrear leg57 are mechanically coupled to each other and to firstfront leg17 and secondfront leg19 as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. Eachrear leg55,57 has a long cross-sectional dimension and a short cross-sectional dimension. In addition, eachrear leg55,57 is configured to rotationally support arear wheel59,61 at adistal end63,65 thereof within a respectiverear wheel housing67,69. More specifically, therespective axles71,73 ofrear wheels59,61 are received in the respectiverear wheel housings67,69 to allow therear wheels59,61 to roll about theirrespective axles71,73. Eachrear wheel housing67,69 houses a braking mechanism, operated by either or both ofbrake pedals75,77 for selectively lockingrear wheels59,61 to prevent inadvertent rolling movement ofstroller1 when the braking mechanism is locked. The braking mechanism will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter with reference toFIGS. 23A-23C. In addition, eachrear wheel housing67,69 also houses a power generating device operationally coupled to therespective axle71,73 ofrear wheels59,61. The power generating device is provided to recharge an onboard power supply, which provides power to an actuation device that allows the stroller to collapse and expand automatically. The power supply also provides power to additional accessories and onboard systems. The power generating device will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter with reference toFIGS. 24-27.

Aproximal end79,81 of eachrear leg55,57 is rotationally coupled tohub3 for enabling rotational movement of therear legs55,57 such that therear legs55,57 are movable between an open position (seeFIGS. 1-6) and a collapsed position (seeFIGS. 9-10).Rear legs55,57, in cross-section, have a long dimension and a short dimension. A plane bisecting the long dimension of a portion ofrear legs55,57 near distal ends63,65 thereof is canted in the range of 12 to 25 degrees, preferably 19 degrees, in relation to a plane bisecting the long dimension of a portion ofrear legs55,57 near proximal ends79,81. This cant results in a narrower footprint whenrear legs55,57 are in their collapsed position than when they are in their open position. By way of further illustration, asrear legs55,57 are collapsed, therear wheels59,61 move closer to each other to provide a more compact foldedstroller1 as illustrated inFIGS. 7-10.

Referring now to seatingportion11 ofstroller1 of the present invention, seatingportion11 includes a generally U-shaped lowerseat frame assembly83 and a generally U-shaped upperseat frame assembly85. Lowerseat frame assembly83 and upperseat frame assembly85 are coupled together giving seating portion11agenerally elliptical-shaped appearance as shown inFIG. 1. Lowerseat frame assembly83 includes two lower arcuateseat frame components87, each having the same radius, pivotally connected at afirst end89 to a seatframe mounting member91 to allow each of lower arcuateseat frame components87 to pivot or rotate relative to seatframe mounting member91. With specific reference toFIG. 12, seatframe mounting member91 is detachably and rotatably disposed on a mountingbracket93 that is fixably attached tohousing33 ofhub3. Mountingbracket93 has amediate portion95 rotatably attached at afront end97 of mountingbracket93 by apin99. In one embodiment, mediateportion95 is spring biased such that, when in use, the weight of an infant or child will cause seatframe mounting member91 to push down on mediateportion95 and, in turn, cause a bottom surface of mediateportion95 to trigger a weight sensor (not shown). The weight sensor or other sensor designed to detect the presence of an infant or child instroller1 is operatively connected to a control system to disable accidental actuation of the drive system that causesstroller1 to collapse as will be more fully described hereinafter.

Referring toFIGS. 1-10, upperseat frame assembly85 is comprised of two upper arcuateseat frame components101, each having the same arc radius. The arc radius of each of upper arcuateseat frame components101 may be the same as the arc radius of lower arcuateseat frame components87. This arc radius may be approximately 43 inches; however, this is not to be construed as limiting as the upper and lower arcuate seat frame components may have other arc radii. Upper arcuateseat frame components101 are pivotably connected at theirfirst ends103 to an upper seatframe mounting member105 to allow each of the upper arcuateseat frame components101 to pivot or rotate relative to the upper seatframe mounting member105.

Each upper arcuateseat frame component101 is slidingly mated, at asecond end107, to asecond end109 of its corresponding lower arcuateseat frame component87, such that upon collapsingstroller1, each lower arcuateseat frame component87 will be slidingly received into its corresponding upper arcuateseat frame component101. In an alternative embodiment, each upper arcuateseat frame component101 may be slidingly received within its corresponding lower arcuateseat frame component87. As best seen byFIGS. 3 and 10, this arrangement of lower arcuateseat frame components87 and upper arcuateseat frame components101 allows the overall width of the generally U-shaped upper and lower arcuateseat frame assemblies83,85 to decrease (consistent with the decrease in the lateral width of the wheels) as they move from their open position as shown inFIG. 3 to their collapsed position shown inFIG. 10.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated thatstroller1 provides aseating portion11, asupport structure5, a pair offront legs17,19, and a pair ofrear legs55,57 that define a linkage having a single degree of freedom, such that movement of any one of theseating portion11, thesupport structure5, the pair offront legs17,19, and the pair ofrear legs55,57 relative to one another toward their collapsed or open positions may cause movement of the others toward their collapsed or open positions.

With reference toFIG. 13 and with continued reference toFIGS. 1-10, another aspect ofstroller1 of the present invention is that seatingportion11 can be detached at lower seatframe mounting member91 and upper seatframe mounting member105 and replaced by either another seat or a different component. For instance, seatingportion11 can be removed and replaced by a seating portion that can seat two children. In addition, a car seat or bassinet adapter can be provided allowing a user to attach a car seat or a bassinet tostroller1. InFIG. 7,seating portion11 is illustrated as being detached fromstroller1. Seatingportion11 includes a seat111 removably disposed upon seatingportion11. Seat111 is desirably manufactured from a soft cloth-like material such that seat111 collapses whenstroller1 is collapsed and expands whenstroller1 is opened. Seat111 includes anupper seat portion113 and alower seat portion115.Upper seat portion113 securely sleeves around upper arcuateseat frame component101 using snaps, zippers, or any other suitable fastening device for removably but securely fasteningupper seat portion113 to upper arcuateseat frame component101 so that it is removable for cleaning or changing color, but is safely attached when in use.Upper seat portion113 extends along and wraps around upper arcuateseat frame component101 from alower end collar117 on one side to alower end collar119 on the other side.Upper seat portion113 includes a seatback121,infant securing straps123, sunshade125 secured to sunshade securingmembers127, aseat bottom129, and a pair of cupholders131 integral toupper seat portion113. As an example, cupholders131 may be comprised of strips of padded fabric that are vertically stitched into the cupholder131 to assist in maintaining its form. While not shown, an annulus can also be stitched into the top of cupholder131 for better shape maintenance.Upper seat portion113 may further includereflective piping133 to enable a user ofstroller1 to be seen during conditions of low or reduced visibility.

With continued reference toFIG. 13,lower seat portion115 extends fromseat bottom129 and is loosely sleeved around each lower arcuateseat frame component87 with mesh or similar material in accordance with another aspect of the invention. Due to the fact that lower arcuateseat frame components87 telescope into upper arcuateseat frame components101 whenstroller1 is placed into the collapsed position, it is desirable forupper seat portion113 to be connected to upper arcuateseat frame components101 only because it does not need to collapse or fold vertically when the stroller is folded or collapsed. Thelower seat portion115, on the other hand, must accommodate the telescoping of the lower arcuateseat frame components87 and the concomitant loss of space. Thus, at least anedge area135 oflower seat portion115, where it is attached to the lower arcuateseat frame components87, must be constructed with material that does not inhibit or bind the telescoping action. In a preferred embodiment, this material is a fabric mesh.

In another aspect,stroller1 may be provided with a cupholder tray device (not shown) having a base portion and a tray portion. The base portion is cylindrical and securely fits into either or both of cupholders131 for a secure connection toupper seat portion113. Disposed on the base portion, the tray portion extends flatly and in parallel with the ground to provide a multipurpose surface for the stroller occupant while still ensuring that there are no entrapment hazards, typically associated with fixed trays in the past. This cupholder tray device may be easily removed for cleaning or storage while the cupholders131 are otherwise in use.

With continued reference toFIGS. 1-10, at least oneluggage wheel137 can be provided at a lower front portion ofhub3 ofstroller1 to facilitate transport ofstroller1 when it is in a collapsed position.

With specific reference toFIGS. 5,7, and9,support structure5 desirably has an arcuate shape and includes a lowerarcuate support component139 and an upperarcuate support component141. As with upper and lower arcuateseat frame components87 and101, upperarcuate support component141 is slidingly mated with lowerarcuate support component139 such that upon collapsingstroller1, lowerarcuate support component139 slidingly sleeves on two sets of raised skis (not shown) into upperarcuate support component141. An upper arcuate supportcomponent end portion143 may have raised skis on an interior surface thereof that make contact with lowerarcuate support component139.End portion143 of upperarcuate support component141 is configured to be slidingly sleeved over anend portion144 of lowerarcuate support component139 such that upon collapsingstroller1, upperarcuate support component141 will slidingly sleeve down over lowerarcuate support component139. As with theseat frame components87 and101,arcuate support components139 and141 are able to telescope or sleeve over or under each other because they have the same arc radius, but slightly different bore radii. Afirst end7 ofsupport structure5 is fixably attached to thehousing33 disposed withinhub3.

Stroller1 may be provided with a removeable storage bag (not shown). The storage bag is configured to be hanged from hooks or other fastening devices protruding from upperarcuate support component141 at a point inside a line drawn between the center of each ofrear wheels59,61. As a result of the hooks being placed in front ofrear wheels59,61, a large amount of weight, whether from shopping bags or a fully loaded storage bag, will not cause an unsafe tipping condition as is seen in many current strollers.

In addition to the advantage of being able to collapsestroller1 through the use of multiple arcuate components that can slide into each other,arcuate support assembly5 has the additional advantage of supportingseating portion11 and ahandlebar assembly145 with a single tube while providing significant clearance in the seat area ofseating portion11 to enable placement of a carry cot (not shown) or provide for a recline of the seat111 without hittingarcuate support assembly5.

With specific reference toFIG. 2,second end9 ofsupport structure5 is attached to ahandlebar assembly145.Handlebar assembly145 includes acentral component147, afirst handle149 coupled tocentral component147, and asecond handle151 coupled tocentral component147. First handle149 andsecond handle151 allow a user to maneuverstroller1. In addition,first handle149 andsecond handle151 are configured to move from a first, retracted position, as shown inFIG. 2, to a collapsed position by pushingbuttons153 and rotating eachhandle149,151 aroundcentral component147.Central component147 ofhandlebar assembly145 is coupled tosecond end9 ofsupport structure5 by atelescoping member155. Telescopingmember155 extends vertically fromsecond end9 ofsupport structure5, thereby allowing a user to adjusthandlebar assembly145 for height in the directions of arrow B₁shown inFIG. 5.

Handlebar assembly145 may further include acontroller interface157 having adisplay portion158 for actuating the powered aspects ofstroller1 of the present invention and for providing various other information as will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. Astorage compartment159 may also be positioned atsecond end9 ofsupport structure5.

With reference toFIGS. 14-18,housing33 ofhub3 has a generally trapezoidal shape having atop surface161 and twoside surfaces163 extending fromtop surface161 at an angle.Housing33 is preferably comprised of steel or another suitable material and provides a sturdy foundation forstroller1. For explanatory purposes, some of elements ofFIGS. 14-18 have been omitted so that other items may be viewed.

With specific reference toFIGS. 15 and 16,front legs17 and19 andrear legs55 and57 are mechanically coupled and configured to be driven by asingle motor167 as follows. Aleft coupling system171 for the leftrear leg57 and leftfront leg19 includes a rearleg mounting bar173 to whichrear leg57 is fixedly coupled; agear175 mounted onside surface163 ofhousing33; abushing177 coupled togear175 and extending through aslot179 provided at an end of mountingbar173; a J-shapedspool component181 fixedly coupled to mountingbar173 betweenslot179 andrear leg57; and acable183 configured to wrap around J-shapedspool component181 and post31 offront leg19. An identical right coupling system is mounted on theother side surface163 for mechanically coupling rightrear leg55 and rightfront leg17.

Housing33 further includes adrive mechanism165 mounted thereon which powersstroller1 to be moved back and forth between its open and collapsed positions. More specifically,drive mechanism165 is configured to mechanically link and simultaneously drivegears175 of right and leftcoupling systems171, thereby causinglegs17,19,55,57 to synchronously expand or collapse.Drive mechanism165 is further configured to cause thesupport structure5 to expand or collapse as will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter.

In one embodiment of the present invention,drive mechanism165 includes amotor167 mounted in a fixed position on aninner casing169 ofhousing33, and agear train170 positioned withininner casing169 and having a first gear driven by a drive shaft of motor167 (seeFIG. 17).Gear train170 is configured to allow a single motor (i.e., motor167) to drive rotationaldrive spool gear185 and first and second drive gears187,189 as will be discussed hereinafter.Motor167 may be of a reversible type, or alternatively, a single-direction motor with mechanical reversing means.

With continued reference toFIG. 17,gear train170 is configured to allowmotor167 to drive first and second drive gears187,189 through first and seconduniversal joints191,193. First and seconduniversal joints191,193 are configured to operationally couple first and second drive gears187,189 andgear train170 and allow first and second drive gears187,189 to extend through and be positioned adjacent to angled side surfaces163 ofhousing33 as shown inFIG. 15. Accordingly,motor167, throughgear train170 and first and seconduniversal joints191,193, is capable of simultaneously driving first and second drive gears187,189. In addition, firstrear leg55 and secondrear leg57 are mechanically coupled betweengear train170 and first and seconduniversal joints191,193. First and second drive gears187,189 are positioned to rotationally drive gears175 of right and leftcoupling systems171.

With specific reference toFIGS. 18A-18B and with continued reference toFIGS. 14-17, the operation ofdrive mechanism165 andcoupling assembly171 will be described in greater detail. Initially,stroller1 is in an expanded position as shown inFIG. 18A. In this position, bushing177 is aligned withinslot179 with an axle ofgear175 along axis Y₁. Axis Y₁is perpendicular to an axis X₁along whichrear leg57 extends. This configuration locksrear legs55,57 in the open position even if a user provides a downward force onlegs55,57. When a signal is provided to drivemechanism165 to causestroller1 to collapse,motor167 drivesgear train170 which in turn drivesuniversal joints191,193, causing drive gears187,189 to rotate. This rotation drivesgears175, causingbushings177 to travel withinslots179 in rearleg mounting bar173. This causes rearleg mounting bar173, and therebyrear legs55 and57, to rotate in the direction of arrow A₁to the collapsed position. In addition, sinceposts29,31 for supportingfront legs17,19 are each mechanically coupled to respectiverear legs55,57 bycable183 connected tospool component181, asrear legs55,57 rotate in the direction of arrow A₁,front legs17,19 also rotate in the direction of arrow A₂to the collapsed position. In the collapsed position, bushing177 is aligned withinslot179 with an axle ofgear175 along axis Y₂. Axis Y₂is perpendicular to an axis X₂along whichrear leg57 extends. This configuration locksrear legs55,57 in the collapsed position even if a user provides an upward force onrear legs55,57.

Once in the collapsed position as shown inFIG. 18B,drive mechanism165 can be controlled to causestroller1 to return to the open position ofFIG. 18A. When a signal is provided to drivemechanism165 to causestroller1 to open,motor167 drivesgear train170, which in turn drivesuniversal joints191,193, causing drive gears187,189 to rotate. This rotation drivesgears175, causingbushings177 to travel withinslots179 in rearleg mounting bar173. This causes rearleg mounting bar173, and therebyrear legs55 and57, to rotate in the direction of arrow A₃to the open position. In addition, sinceposts29,31 for supportingfront legs17,19 are each mechanically coupled to respectiverear legs55,57 bycable183 connected tospool component181, asrear legs55,57 rotate in the direction of arrow A₃,front legs17,19 also rotate in the direction of arrow A₄to the open position. This rotation offront legs17,19 may be aided by the placement of aspring195 around posts29,31 that supportfront legs17,19. The use ofsuch springs195 allows a smaller, less powerful motor to be used indrive mechanism165.

With reference toFIGS. 19-21, and with continued reference toFIGS. 14-18B,seat portion11 andsupport structure5 are also movable between a collapsed position and an open position. In order to accomplish this,drive mechanism165 further includes aspool gear185 provided ingear train170 and configured to be driven bymotor167.Spool gear185 is fixedly attached to and configured to drive aspool shaft197.Spool shaft197 further includes aspool pair199 having a first side199aand a second side199bfixedly attached thereto. A first cable (not shown) is run from a first side199aofspool pair199 up to and around a firstkey pulley201 mounted insideend portion144 of lowerarcuate support component139. The cable runs around firstkey pulley201 and through afirst pulley203 of alatching mechanism205. A second cable (not shown) is run from a second side199bofspool pair199 up to and around a secondkey pulley207 mounted insideend portion144 of lowerarcuate support component139. The cable runs around secondkey pulley207 and through asecond pulley209 of latchingmechanism205.Latching mechanism205 includes a pair oflatch members211 configured to extend through arecess213 in upperarcuate support component141. Since upperarcuate support component141 is designed to slide over lowerarcuate support component139 as previously described, activation ofspool pair199 in either direction movessupport structure5 between an open and a collapsed position. Moreover, due to the fact that theseating portion11 can also telescope as previously described, activation of thespool pair199 also moves seatingportion11 between an open and a collapsed position.

When in a fully-open position,support structure5 comprises latchingmechanism205 that ensures thestroller1 remains open when in the open position. In one embodiment,latching mechanism205 includes a pair oflatch members211 biased to extend outwardly fromsupport structure5.Latch members211 are movable to a retracted position not extending outwardly fromsupport structure5.Recesses213 for receivinglatch members211 when it is in its extended position are provided in upperarcuate support component141 to receive and engagelatch members211 therein, and thereby engage lowerarcuate support component139 as shown inFIG. 22. Due to the single degree of freedom of the stroller linkage, this prevents the stroller from being moved toward its collapsed or folded position. Thelatch members211 can be released fromrecesses213 by moving the latch to its retracted position to disengage thelatch members211 and thereby disengage upperarcuate support component141 to allow telescoping or sleeving movement of upperarcuate support component141 over lowerarcuate support component139 and accordingly allow movement of the stroller toward its collapsed position.

Afterlatch members211 have been disengaged and the stroller has been moved to its collapsed position, and upon movement of the stroller toward its open position,latch members211 are biased against the interior surface of upperarcuate support component141 until the stroller is fully open, at whichpoint latch members211 are aligned with, and extend into,recesses213 to prevent movement of the stroller toward its collapsed position until thelatch members211 are retracted.

Accordingly, asmotor167 is actuated, it causesgear train170 to rotationallydrive spool gear185 and, correspondingly, thespool pair199 whereby the cable (not shown) is simultaneously wound and unwound on thespool pair199 and upperarcuate support component141 is driven longitudinally along lowerarcuate support component139 between a collapsed and an open position. Correspondingly, the seatingportion11 is also moved between a collapsed and an open position. Hence,drive mechanism165 is operatively engaged withsupport structure5 andseating portion11 to move them between their collapsed and open positions.

Whilestroller1 was described hereinabove as includingdrive mechanism165, this is not to be construed as limiting as other drive mechanisms may be utilized. For instance, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/094,574, entitled “Stroller”, discloses an alternative drive mechanism. This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/094,574 and it is hereby incorporated by reference.

Additionally, as described hereinabove,drive mechanism165 includes anelectric motor167 capable of moving the elements ofstroller1. However, this is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, as the drive mechanism may utilize a variety of other elements. For instance, but not by way of limitation, the drive mechanism may be a hydraulic or pneumatic drive, with hydraulic or pneumatic tubes extending from a hydraulic or pneumatic pump, internally and/or externally of one or more stroller components, to desired locations of the stroller to effect movement of one or more stroller components. Cables, running internally and/or externally of one or more stroller components, may be utilized. Suitable accommodation for the cables, pneumatic tubing, hydraulic tubing, and/or electrical wires is preferably provided to prevent pinching, folding, or other deformation, which would prevent suitable or optimal operation of these elements. An energy storing drive or drive mechanism (such as one utilizing a spring loaded element, other resilient element, or electromagnetic storage element), which stores energy when one or more stroller components are moved from one position to another for subsequent release of part or all of the stored energy to effect movement of the same or other stroller components, may be utilized. Rotary drives and/or drive mechanisms, or non-rotary drives and/or drive mechanisms may be utilized. One type of drive or drive mechanism may be utilized, or any combination of two or more drive mechanisms may be utilized either in combination with one another or individually.

Furthermore, the drive mechanism may be located at, or in proximity with, a location (or locations) onstroller1 at which one or more stroller components are desired to be moved, or the drive mechanism(s) may be located remote from such location or locations, with suitable operative engagement extending between a remotely located drive mechanism and the location or locations on the stroller at which one or more stroller components are desired to be moved. Such operative engagement may include, for instance, cables, hydraulic tubes, pneumatic tubes, electromagnetic forces, electric wires, or any of a wide variety of other engagements.

Additionally,stroller1 may be provided with additional latch or locking components operatively connected withdrive mechanism165, or a separate drive mechanism, which latches are moveable between a locking position which maintains the stroller in its collapsed position, and an unlocked position which allows the stroller to move from its collapsed position to its open position.

With reference toFIGS. 23A-23C, abraking system215 forstroller1 is provided in firstrear wheel housing67 and secondrear wheel housing69 and operatively controlled bybrake pedals75,77. The breakingsystems215 provided in eachrear wheel housing67,69 are identical and accordingly only one braking system will be described hereinafter.

Braking system215 includes abrake pedal75 positioned such that it extends fromrear wheel housing69 and abraking cam217 operationally coupled tobrake pedal75 and rotatable around apivot point219 from a first position (seeFIG. 23A) to a second position (seeFIG. 23C). More specifically,brake pedal75 includes apeg221 that is positioned within aslot223 in thebraking cam217. Asbrake pedal75 is depressed, peg221 travels from a first end ofslot223 to a second end ofslot223, thereby causingbraking cam217 to rotate aboutpivot point219.Braking cam217 has a modified elliptical shape as shown inFIGS. 23A-23C.Braking system215 further includes abrake lever225 having afirst end227 configured to contactbraking cam217 when brakingcam217 is in the second position, and asecond end229 having a plurality ofteeth231 configured to engage theteeth232 of agear233 driven by firstrear wheel59 ofstroller1 when brakingcam217 is in the second position, thereby preventing rotation of firstrear wheel59 and movement ofstroller1.

A first depression ofbrake pedal75 causesbraking cam217 to rotate aroundpivot point219 from the first position to the second position, thereby causing theteeth231 ofbrake lever225 to engagegear233 to prevent rotation of firstrear wheel59. A second depression ofbrake pedal75 causesbraking cam217 to rotate around the pivot point from the second position to the first position, thereby causing the teeth of the brake lever to disengage the at least one gear to allow rotation of the first wheel.

In addition, secondrear wheel61 includes a braking device positioned within secondrear wheel housing69 that is identical tobraking system215 and operationally coupled tobrake pedal75 via a cable (not shown) or any other suitable coupling device such that the depression ofbrake pedal75 causes the actuation of the braking system provided in secondrear wheel housing69, thereby preventing rotation of secondrear wheel61. A second depression ofbrake pedal75 releases the braking device provided in secondrear wheel housing69, thereby allowing rotation of secondrear wheel61.

With reference toFIGS. 24-27,stroller1 is desirably configured to recharge or maintain a predetermined power level of its onboard power source through a dual generator system which is driven by the turning of the stroller wheels. The dual generator system includes identical generator systems235 positioned in each of therear wheel housings67,69. Since these generator systems are identical, only one of these generator systems235 will be described hereinafter.

Generator system235 includes agear reduction system237 operationally coupled betweenaxle73 of secondrear wheel61 and agenerator239.Gear reduction system237 includes a plurality of gears, such asgear233 which is driven byaxle73 as secondrear wheel61 rolls,second gear241 driven bygear233,third gear243 driven bysecond gear241, and fourth gear245 driven bythird gear243. Fourth gear245 is coupled to a drive shaft ofgenerator239 such that rotation of fourth gear245 causesgenerator239 to produce electricity. Arubber bushing247 may be provided to surround all or part ofgenerator239 for noise reduction.Generator239 may be embodied as an electric motor.Gear reduction system237 is required because coupling arear wheel59,61 directly to the motor used asgenerator239 to recharge a battery is impractical since it would require a large velocity on the wheel in order to achieve the roughly 3,000 revolutions per minute or 50 revolutions per second for which such motors are typically optimized. In order to accomplish the desired recharging with the wheel and a motor,gear reduction system237 is required.

An issue with a generator mounted on the wheel of a stroller is that if a gear-motor system as described hereinabove is directly connected to the stroller wheel with no electronic controls system, the amount of force felt by the user is not controllable and can at times be too large, thereby making it difficult for the user to push the stroller. In particular, higher rates of travel by the stroller will require greater forces. If the user were to jog with the stroller, the force would be large enough to be cumbersome. Accordingly, and with reference toFIG. 26, a control system for the dual generator system is required.Control system249 includes atransistor251, such as a MOSFET, provided betweengenerator239 and apower storage device253. Amicrocontroller255, or another suitable processing device, is provided to control the state oftransistor251. In other words,transistor251 is turned on or off bymicrocontroller255 such thattransistor251 either allows current to flow into and chargepower storage device253 or it blocks it from doing so. If no current is allowed to flow,generator239 is not generating power and it is easy to turn (or push the stroller) regardless of the speed. Accordingly,microcontroller255pulses transistor251 with a duty cycle with a certain proportion of “on” time. The greater that proportion, the more current is allowed to flow fromgenerator239 topower storage device253. This “on” time is lowered in proportion as the user pushes the stroller faster to prevent them from feeling that there is too much resistance. In addition,microcontroller255 is programmed to charge a smaller percentage of each duty cycle, and thus makestroller1 easier to push, when the stroller is first moved from a standstill into motion. It is also within the scope of the present invention toprogram microcontroller255 to modify the duty cycle to maximize recharging activity when the stroller is being pushed downhill, which can be monitored through the use of a MEMS gyroscope, a mercury switch, or other such device. This aspect has the added benefit of slowing the stroller on downgrades for safety. This is called regenerative braking.

An issue with charging apower storage device253 from generator system235 is that power storage devices can be overcharged and fail. To overcome this problem,transistor251, withmicrocontroller255 for controlling how much current is fed topower storage device253, doubles as the tool through which the charging rate is controlled. For instance, ifpower storage device253 is fully charged,microcontroller255 will controltransistor251 to open to prevent additional current from flowing topower storage device253.Power storage device253 of the present invention is desirably a nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery and is positioned withinhousing33.

With reference toFIG. 27,microcontroller255 also controls the distribution of power generated bygenerator239 and stored inpower storage device253 to a plurality of subsystems, such asdrive mechanism165, alighting system257, and any of a plurality ofaccessories259, such as speakers, a cell phone charging device, and a portable music player.

Stroller1 includeslighting system257 to enhance safety.Lighting system257 includes two lighting subsystems that provide: a) constant lighting for safety purposes such that the stroller can always be seen; and b) pathway lighting so that irregularities in the path of travel ofstroller1 can be seen. The constant lighting subsystem includes a daytime running light303 positioned on firstfront leg17 and a daytime running light303 positioned on secondfront leg19. Thedaytime running lights303 are positioned onfront legs17,19 such that the light produced thereby is visible from 360 degrees aroundstroller1.

The pathway lighting subsystem includes a pair of path lights305 located underneathhub3 and positioned to point forward. Accordingly, the path lights305 cast light and illuminate surface irregularity in a path in front ofstroller1. Desirably, path lights305 are located onhub3 at a position that is within about 10 inches of pathway.

Lighting system257 is powered bypower storage device253 which is charged bygenerator239.Microcontroller255 is operatively coupled to the constant lighting subsystem and pathway lighting subsystem and is configured to control the status of these subsystems. For instance,microcontroller255 is configured to turndaytime running lights303 on when the stroller is placed in the open position and off when the stroller is in the collapsed position. In addition,microcontroller255 is configured to turn onpath lights305 in low light conditions so that the user can clearly see any irregularities in the pathway. Themicrocontroller255 turns path lights305 on based on either manual feedback from a user or automatic feedback from an ambient light detecting sensor (not shown) provided onstroller1.Controller interface157 may include an on/off switch forpath lights305 that a user can actuate. In addition,display158 provided oncontroller interface157 may provide a message to the user regarding the status of bothdaytime running lights303 and path lights305. Path lights305 anddaytime running lights303 may be embodied as light emitting diodes (LEDs).

Whilestroller1 has been described hereinabove as including a power generating system for generating power to be stored in a battery, the power source for drivingmotor167 may be a replaceable and/or rechargeable battery or batteries, conventional battery or batteries, and/or a direct electrical supply such as that available from an electrical outlet. In addition, the power source may be permanently attached to the stroller, or may be removable for charging, replacement, or the like. To keepstroller1 relatively low in weight and/or to keep production costs down, or for other reasons, a relatively small power source may be utilized which has sufficient power to move the stroller back and forth between its open and collapsed positions, but which does not have sufficient additional power to regularly or routinely power additional accessories or onboard systems without draining its power undesirably quickly. Alternatively, a larger power source may be utilized which not only has sufficient power to move the stroller back and forth between its open and collapsed conditions, but also has additional capacity to drive one or more additional accessories and/or onboard systems, which accessories and/or onboard systems may be integral with the stroller or may be modular additions or connections to the stroller.

With reference toFIG. 28, acontrol switch261 is provided, preferably in thecontroller interface157, which may be an integral portion ofhandlebar assembly145 or detachable therefrom, for causing actuation ofdrive mechanism165.Control switch261 is operatively connected tomotor167 throughmicrocontroller255 to control actuation ofmotor167, which in turn controls drivemechanism165, which in turn controls movement of thefront legs17,19,rear legs55,57, andsupport structure5 between their collapsed and open positions as discussed in detail hereinabove. Desirably, the wires extending between thecontrol switch261,microcontroller255, andmotor167 are all disposed internally of the stroller elements, such as extending internally within hollow tubular members. Thecontrol switch261, or a separate control switch and/or a common controller, may also be operatively coupled to one or more latch mechanisms to move the latch mechanisms from their latched positions in which they prevent the stroller from moving from its fully-open position toward its collapsed position, to their unlatched positions in which they allow the stroller to move from its fully-open position towards its collapsed position.Motor167, or a separate drive mechanism, may be operatively connected to a control switch and/or controller to affect automatic movement of the latches upon actuation bycontrol switch261. The unlatching of the one or more latches is preferably carried out prior to, or simultaneous with, the initiation actuation ofmotor167.

Alternatively, a control switch may be provided at, or in proximity with, one or more latches on the stroller (or operatively engaged with one or more latches), such that upon, or subsequent to, manually unlatching the one or more latches, the actuator is actuated to effect automatic movement of the desired one or more stroller components from a first position to a second position. That is, a control switch such as a position sensing switch (which may be an optical switch, electrical contact switch, or any other type of switch) may be provided which is operatively engaged with a controller which controls the actuation of the drive mechanism as desired (which may be in any of a wide variety of rates, sequences, options, etc.) The control switch or switches may be located and configured to be triggered or actuated during conventional manual unlatching of the latch or latches, or may be at a convenient location on the stroller which allows the control switch to be easily actuated while, or immediately subsequent to, unlatching of the latch or latches. It may be desirable to provide an arrangement in which two or more control switches associated with respective latches are required to both be actuated to effect automatic movement of the desired one or more stroller components from a first position to a second position.

In order to be consistent with stroller safety standards, it is preferred to have two separate and distinct actions taken to initiate folding of the stroller and, thus, two control switches may be employed to comply with such safety specifications. Accordingly,controller interface157 used to controlmotor167 to control the collapsing and opening movements, or other desired stroller component movements, ofstroller1 may be constructed and configured to have two or more discrete switches (such ascontrol switch261 and control switch263) which need to be actuated simultaneously, or in a predetermined sequence or pattern, to effect actuation ofmotor167 and thereby the movable components of the stroller, so as to prevent inadvertent movement of the stroller components, such as inadvertent movement of a stroller toward its deployed and/or collapsed positions. The two or morediscrete switches261,263 are preferably spaced sufficiently apart from one another, or otherwise disposed relative to one another, so as to prevent inadvertent actuation of one switch upon actuation of the other switch. With reference toFIG. 28, afirst control switch263 is pushed, causing atimer265 to count up to “three” whereupon asecond control switch261 is pushed by the user in order to actuate thestroller1 folding or unfolding action.

The control switch or switches may be constructed to require that one switch, or a combination of switches, be engaged throughout the movement of the desired stroller components, such as during opening and/or folding operations of strollers designed for automatic opening and closing. Alternatively, a suitable control switch or switches, and/or suitable controller, may be provided such that only one actuation of a switch or switches is required to effect the desired movement of two or more stroller components, such as full movement of a stroller between its fully-deployed or open and/or fully-collapsed or folded positions. As a further alternative, a controller may be provided to move the stroller to a position intermediate its fully-open and/or fully-collapsed position, such as a midway condition as shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, with one actuation of a switch or switches, and further or complete movement of the stroller to its fully-deployed and/or fully-collapsed positions requiring a subsequent actuation of a switch or switches.

Microcontroller255 is desirably programmed to automatically switch directions with each successive actuation. For example, should the movement of the stroller toward the fully-collapsed position be stopped at an intermediate point, such as upon a user noticing a toy in the stroller which is to be removed, but which has been enclosed by the partially-collapsed stroller, the user need only release the switch or switches and reengage them for movement in the opposite direction, toward the fully-open position. The motor may then be stopped and re-actuated for movement of the stroller to its fully-collapsed position.

The control switch and/or controller may be mounted on the frame of the stroller, such as on the rear wheel support member or elsewhere on the stroller, or alternatively, the control switch and/or controller may be separate from the stroller, such as on a key fob or other portable device, and operated using wireless technology. This may facilitate the ability of a user to hold a child or baby with both hands throughout the opening and/or collapsing of the stroller.

The controller may be configured and constructed utilizing any of a wide variety of known controller designs and/or mechanisms. For instance, the controller may utilize electrical contact switches and/or may utilize a processor, microprocessor, or microcontroller. Additionally, the controller may operate in conjunction with one or more sensors, such that upon actuation, or lack of actuation, of one or more sensors the motor does not operate even when the one or more switches, or other control actuation mechanism, which would normally actuate the motor, are properly actuated.

The controller may also be provided with switches or other actuators for controlling additional items such as a timer, an alarm clock feature, a music device, a monitor, a speedometer, a pedometer, or any other desirable items. If desired, a general auxiliary device connector267 may be provided through which various auxiliary devices may be interchangeably connected and controlled by the controller and/or suitable control switch, which devices may be powered by the power source for the stroller, or through an independent power source. For instance, auxiliary device connector267 may include afirst port269 for connecting speakers or a portable audio player, and asecond port271 for connecting a cell phone or other portable electronic device for recharging.

Controller interface157 also includesdisplay158 mountedonboard stroller1 to provide any of a wide variety of visual or audio feedback or ambient conditions to the user such as abattery level indicator273, a temperature reading275, anodometer277,speedometer279, clock (not shown), rechargingindicator281, the position of the stroller frame, whether the stroller will move toward its open or collapsed condition when next actuated, the presence of a baby or child in thestroller283, instructions for use and operation of the stroller, emergency telephone numbers, environmental conditions, distance walked, average speed, or any other desired feature or parameter.Odometer277 may be a permanent odometer providing a reading of the total distance traveled during the lifetime ofstroller1. Alternatively,controller interface157 anddisplay158 may be provided remotely, such as on a key fob.

Stroller1 may also include one or more object sensors having the ability to detect the presence of objects within the interior portion of the stroller and to interrupt and/or prevent movement of the stroller in the direction toward its collapsed condition when the object sensor detects the presence of an object within the interior portion of the stroller. The object sensor or sensors may be of any known type, or any type later developed, such as a mechanical weight sensor, a proximity sensor, a motion sensor, a light beam sensor, or any other device having the ability to detect the presence of an object within the interior of the stroller. The sensor or sensors may be electronic and may send a signal that is electrically acted upon to prevent or interrupt power to the motor, and/or the sensors may be mechanical and actuate a physical lock or a brake to prevent further collapsing or the full collapsing movement of the stroller. Sensors may also be used to detect the presence of modular add-on devices connected to the stroller, such that movement of the stroller to its collapsed condition is prevented when a connected add-on is detected, thereby preventing potential damage to the add-on device.

Stroller1 may also include position sensors utilized at selective locations on the frame to send a signal indicative of the positions of one or more components or elements of the stroller. The position sensors can be used for several purposes, such as sending a signal to the display to provide a visual and/or audio indication to the user as to the current position or of the deployment or the collapsing of the stroller and/or to provide an interrupting signal (or non-signal) if a position sensor or sensors are not engaged as they would be during proper deployment and/or collapsing of the stroller. Any one or more of several known types of sensors may be utilized, such as rotary encoders at any one or more frame component pivot points, and/or limit or contact switches which are engaged as selective elements of the stroller move to their proper positions, or improper positions, during deployment and/or collapsing of the stroller. By way of example, position sensors may be mounted to the stroller at positions which provide indication that the stroller has moved to its fully-deployed condition, its fully-collapsed condition, or any condition in-between; and/or position sensors may be mounted at locations to detect the engagement or lack of engagement of latches. Position sensors may operate in conjunction with electronic timer controls such that a signal to effect stoppage of power to the motor is sent if the position sensor is not engaged within a predetermined time period.

A resistance sensing device and/or timer may be operatively connected to the controller to stop movement and/or move toward the unfolded or open position when folding is interrupted, e.g. when too much resistance toward folding movement is encountered or when the fully-closed position is not achieved within a predetermined time. Alternatively, or additionally, a clutch may be provided between the motor and the elements to which it is connected to provide slippage of the driving force of the motor if too much resistance is encountered.

A manual override may also be provided to allow manual movement of the stroller between its open and closed positions and/or manual movement of any stroller components between their first and second positions, which would normally be carried out automatically by a drive mechanism. Such manual override may be desirable for any of a number of reasons, such as the power source being too low to effect the desired automatic movement or the failure of any parts.

A wide variety of manual override mechanisms may be utilized in connection with the present invention. For instance, a clutch or clutches may be provided between one or more drive mechanism elements and their associated stroller components for use as a manual override, whereby the clutch may be moved to a position in which it effects disengagement of the drive mechanism. As another example, a mechanical lever or rotary element may be provided at any point in the drive mechanism and/or between the drive mechanism and one or more stroller components associated with the drive mechanism, which is movable between an automatic position (in which a drive mechanism is operatively engaged with one or more stroller components to move the one or more stroller components automatically) and a manual position (in which a drive mechanism is disengaged from its operative engagement with one or more stroller components).

It will be appreciated that the above is merely by way of example, and that a wide variety of disengaging mechanisms may be utilized with a wide variety of different stroller designs, without departing from the inventive concepts of the present invention.

The movement or movements of the inventive strollers of the present invention can be carried out in a wide variety of ways, such as telescoping of components, sliding of components, pivoting of components, rectilinear movement of components, cam driven or guided movement of components, or any other known linkage which allows movement of two or more components relative to one another.

Furthermore, virtually any stroller construction which has one or more front wheels and one or more rear wheels, or having any other wheel configuration such as a circular arrangement of the wheels, left and right wheels, or any other arrangement, in which the stroller has some type of drive for moving at least one of the wheels from a first position to a second position may be constructed. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, virtually any stroller construction can be utilized which allows automatic movement of at least one of its wheels from an open position to a collapsed position, or back and forth between collapsed and open positions, or between an extended position and a retracted position. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a stroller may be provided having a frame with one or more components, which may be wheel components and/or other stroller components or attachments (or components to which attachments may be connected) with a drive operatively connected with the one or more components to move them from a first position to a second position. This may be used for automatic movement of the components between any desired first and second positions. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, one or more stroller components or attachments may be moved between three or more selective positions by the drive mechanism and/or control switches, and/or one or more controllers.

Backup mechanical systems may be provided to serve as the drive for moving the wheels and/or other stroller components. A mechanical system(s) may use elements common with the automatic system(s), use independent element(s), or both.Stroller1 may also be provided such that front and/or rear wheels move front to back and/or back to front and/or side to side and/or top to bottom and/or bottom to top. This may apply to other stroller components as well. For instance, a stroller may be provided in which the wheels of the stroller remain on the ground or otherwise relatively stationary, while other stroller components move forwardly and/or rearwardly and/or sideways and/or upwardly and/or downwardly between collapsed and open positions.

The stroller embodiments described in detail above, are simple, robust, and extremely easy to use. The various structures ofstroller1 may all be made of any suitable plastics, formed of metals, or constructed from any other suitable material.

Although a collapsible stroller has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements. For example, it is to be understood that this disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

Claims (17)

The invention claimed is:

1. A stroller comprising:

at least one front leg rotationally coupled to a hub;

at least one front wheel rotationally coupled to the at least one front leg;

at least one rear leg rotationally coupled to the hub; and

at least one rear wheel rotationally coupled to the at least one rear leg,

wherein the at least one front leg and the at least one rear leg are mechanically coupled such that the at least one front leg and the at least one rear leg rotate synchronously to a first position relative to the hub to configure the stroller in a collapsed position and to a second position relative to the hub to configure the stroller in an open position, and

wherein the hub comprises a covering enclosing a housing to which the at least one front leg and the at least one rear leg are mechanically coupled and a drive mechanism comprising at least one motor for causing the at least one front leg and the at least one rear leg to rotate synchronously is contained within the housing.

2. The stroller ofclaim 1, wherein the housing is trapezoidally-shaped.

3. The stroller ofclaim 2, wherein the at least one rear leg is rotationally coupled to a first angled side wall of the housing and the at least one front leg is rotationally coupled to a second angled side wall of the housing.

4. The stroller ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a support structure having a first end coupled to the hub and a second end; and

a seating portion having a top portion coupled to the second end of the support structure and a bottom portion coupled to the first end of the support structure.

5. The stroller ofclaim 4, wherein the support structure has a generally arcuate shape.

6. The stroller ofclaim 4, wherein the support structure is configured as a telescoping tube.

7. The stroller ofclaim 6, wherein the support structure telescopes between a first configuration when the stroller is in the collapsed position and a second configuration when the stroller is in an open position.

8. The stroller ofclaim 7, wherein the first configuration of the support structure has a length that is shorter than the second configuration of the support structure.

9. The stroller ofclaim 4, wherein the seating portion has a generally elliptical shape.

10. The stroller ofclaim 9, wherein the generally elliptical shape of the seating portion is formed by:

a generally U-shaped lower seat frame assembly having a first end and a second end; and

a generally U-shaped upper seat frame assembly having a first and a second end,

wherein the first end of the upper seat frame assembly is slidingly mated with the first end of the lower seat frame assembly and the second end of the upper seat frame assembly is slidingly mated with the second end of the lower seat frame assembly.

11. The stroller ofclaim 10, wherein the lower seat frame assembly slides within the upper seat frame assembly when the stroller is in the collapsed position and the lower seat frame assembly extends from the upper seat frame assembly when the stroller is in the open position.

12. The stroller ofclaim 4, wherein the seating portion is removably coupled to the support structure.

13. The stroller ofclaim 4, further comprising a handle coupled to the second end of the support structure.

14. The stroller ofclaim 13, wherein the handle is telescoping such that the height of the handle can be adjusted.

15. The stroller ofclaim 13, wherein the handle comprises a display for providing feedback to a user.

16. The stroller ofclaim 1, wherein the hub comprises at least one luggage wheel rotationally coupled to a bottom surface thereof to allow for transportation of the stroller when the stroller is in the collapsed position.

17. The stroller ofclaim 1, wherein the hub comprises light sources for illuminating an area in front of the stroller.

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